Official: Dortmund complete signing of Leonardo Balerdi

DORTMUND, GERMANY - DECEMBER 21: The Borussia Dortmund players celebrate in front of their fans following victory during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Moenchengladbach at Signal Iduna Park on December 21, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Borussia Dortmund have announced their capture of Leonardo Balerdi from Boca Juniors in a reported €15m deal

The 19-year-old defender came through the youth ranks at Boca and made five appearances for the senior team after graduating in 2018.

Boca president Daniel Angelici confirmed this month Dortmund’s interest in Balerdi and revealed that club officials had flown over to Argentina to begin talks.

Now the Bundesliga leaders have announced the signing of the teenager on a long-term deal for a reported fee of €15m.

“The signing of Leonardo Balerdi was originally a perspective transfer planned for the coming summer that has now been brought forward,” sporting director Michael Zorc told the club website.

“Leonardo is an intelligent centre-back that is strong with his head and in 1v1s. He is also good at build-up play and passing.

“We are very glad that he has chosen us and are convinced that he will help us with his talent in the future.”